Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and oldest game reserve, is a classic African safari destination where vast skies meet endless savannah. Set in the west of the country near the Botswana border, Hwange spans over 14,500 square kilometres of varied landscapes, from teak forests and open grasslands to shimmering pans that draw wildlife all year round. The park is particularly renowned for its huge elephant population, one of the biggest in Africa, with unforgettable sightings at waterholes during the dry season. Wildlife viewing in Hwange is superb and diverse. Alongside elephants, you might see lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wild dog and over 100 other mammal species, as well as more than 400 kinds of birds. Game drives are the main activity, usually at dawn and late afternoon when animals are most active, but many lodges also offer guided bush walks for a closer look at the ecosystem. Night drives, where they’re allowed, give you the chance to spot nocturnal species like civets, genets and owls. The best time to visit is generally from June to October, the dry season, when vegetation is thin and wildlife gathers around the remaining water sources, making sightings frequent and dramatic. The green season (roughly November to March) has its own charm too, with fewer visitors, lush scenery, migratory birds and newborn animals. Do note that some roads can be tricky after heavy rain, so travel logistics and lodge access may vary. Accommodation ranges from simple self-catering campsites to intimate luxury lodges overlooking busy waterholes. Most visitors reach Hwange from Victoria Falls (about a 2–3 hour drive) or from Bulawayo, often combining their stay with other highlights in Zimbabwe. Whether you’re heading off on safari for the first time or you’re a seasoned wildlife lover, Hwange’s vast sense of space, abundant game and classic bush feel make it a standout destination in Southern Africa.
Recommended airport
Victoria Falls Intl (VFA)
Nearby destinations
  • Hwange a 45.69 km